During our discussion today as class began for the semester, I was struck with the fact that the effects of technology are felt universally, whether directly or indirectly. Even in the remotest and most impoverished parts of the world, technology affects societies by creating an increased gap between the "haves" and the "have nots"; perhaps even causing resentment toward the more affluent societies.
Often among younger generations, there is a push to buy the latest electronic device as soon as it arrives in stores. (I recall the last holiday season of long lines and camping outside stores for certain videogames…) It seems that once you have the latest gadget, however, it soon gets “old” as next years newest item arrives and you must jump on the bandwagon with ‘everyone else’ and get one for yourself. Sociologically, this is an interesting idea. For these types of individuals, it seems that technology affects them in a more direct manner. They choose to be exposed to the latest and greatest electronics and inventions.
During the holiday season, my parents will often see the ads in stores for the newest electronic item. They frequently say, “What’s the point of getting that…it’ll be old news by next Christmas.” In many ways, I see their point. It seems that the advances in technology have a unifying influence on many people who flock to the stores together (not necessarily in a friendly manner), but it is incredibly fascinating how technology brings people together in one place (ie: a store), for one purpose (to purchase the newest gadget). Technology is not only universal, it is unifying in the most un-unified sense. We are together in one place, yet not cooperating with one another, but competing to see who gets the item first.
Look at the example of the car. This device has changed the world, especially our American culture in the past century. When Ford began mass-producing cars for increased public use, sales skyrocketed and our culture would never be the same. For example, the car would be largely responsible for taking the institution of dating out of the house, and into the movie theaters and other public areas outside the family. Technology changes society. It is interesting to note that for people over a century ago, it would be a thrill just to drive a car. Give a little technological advancement, and several years you have cars with heated leather seats, GPS systems that talk to you, and computers that track your car and communicate with it via someone across the country in case of an emergency...the beauty of "On Star". These are things people would have never dreamed of!
People such as my grandma swear that they will never touch a computer or even attempt to let it benefit her life. I highly respect her ideals. I often wish I could follow her example! Some prefer to maintain a simpler life without such advances. Whether they realize it or not, however, their lives have been affected, even benefited, by what they try to avoid. Computers are everywhere: in cars, in cash registers, and a host of other examples. The lack of having a computer has also affected the way people interact with my grandma. Oftentimes, my aunt will say to her, “So when are you going to get a computer?” Without this advance in technology, it wouldn’t be necessary to bring that up. So indirectly, my grandmother and many like her have been affected by technological advances.
In conclusion, technology has affected us all. Technology has the possibility to change lives and entire societies. It is a powerful tool that must be used with much caution and forethought.
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